Following the tragic petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, the Senate has called for urgent action to help the survivors. The explosion, which happened around 12:30 AM on Tuesday, resulted in the deaths of over 90 individuals and left hundreds more injured as locals rushed to collect fuel from the overturned tanker.
The Senate, led by Senator Hussaini Uba of Jigawa North West, has issued a directive to the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen its public awareness efforts on the dangers of fuel scooping in the event of accidents. Uba emphasized that heightened public sensitisation is vital to preventing further loss of life in similar situations.
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) have been urged to expedite the distribution of relief materials to survivors and affected families. The Senate suggested that immediate aid would support those grappling with severe burns and injuries in the aftermath of the incident.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, has also directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to launch a thorough investigation into the tanker explosion. Minister of Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families and loved ones of those affected.
The tanker, which was en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe State, overturned near Khadija University in Majiya. Authorities reported that the tragedy began when residents swarmed the crash site to gather leaking fuel, a practice described as “unfortunate and preventable” by Jigawa State’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Lawan Adam.
The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honor of those who lost their lives and called on the Government of Jigawa State to assist the survivors and launch awareness campaigns on the dangers of scooping fuel from broken-down tankers.
